Quality evades Boro and Bolton

The points were shared as Bolton and Middlesbrough played out an untidy 0-0 draw at the Reebok Stadium.

Both sides were guilty of lacking quality in the final third

The points were shared as Bolton Wanderers and Middlesbrough played out an untidy 0-0 draw at the Reebok Stadium. In a game that rarely lacked commitment, quality was often absent as both sides battled to no avail. Bolton just about edged the encounter, with Kevin Davies going agonisingly close in the first half. The second period was a little more open, however Ivan Campo and Jeremie Aliadiere both spurned decent opportunities to secure the points. Former Wales skipper Gary Speed almost put Bolton ahead in the 16th minute. He curled in a free-kick from 20 yards that deceived Mark Schwarzer but finished in the side-netting. Middlesbrough boss Gareth Southgate made a switch in the 29th minute bringing on Emanuel Pogatetz for Andrew Taylor. It looked to be a tactical change as Taylor did not appear to be carrying an injury.

Luck

Middlesbrough's Gary O'Neil tried his luck on goal in the 40th minute but saw his effort blocked. O'Neil then raced forward and tried to carve out an opening only to find his path blocked by Gerald Cid. The home supporters were growing in frustration, having seen their side only win one league game this season. Davies, who got a late equaliser against Bayern, almost made the breakthrough on the stroke of half-time. He worked his way into a good position but sent his effort narrowly wide of the post.

Squandered

Danny Guthrie tried to pick out Kevin Nolan at the back post with a free-kick in the 53rd minute but Schwarzer was able to make the save. Campo should have given Bolton the lead in the 62nd minute but squandered a great chance. Davies neatly chipped the ball to the back post where the Spanish ace was unmarked. However, he somehow managed to squeeze a shot the wrong side of the post. Middlesbrough had not picked up the pace of the game in the second half and Jussi Jaaskelainen was not being tested in the home goal. Bolton midfielder Gavin McCann had half a chance in the 68th minute but snatched at his effort and it cleared the bar.

Crucial

However this was a decent spell of pressure by the home side going into a crucial phase of the game. Bolton goalkeeper Jaaskelainen was called into action after 71 minutes and reacted superbly. He did well to boot away Aliadiere's effort from close range. Then the Finland international made a good parry from Downing after he rattled in a shot. Bolton were beginning to look a bit vulnerable, not to mention a bit jaded. However, they carved out a good chance a minute from time when Campo got on the end of Andy O'Brien's cross but headed into Schwarzer's arms.

Bolton Wanderers	Team Statistics	Middlesbrough
0	Goals	0
0	1st Half Goals	0
3	Shots on Target	2
8	Shots off Target	1
3	Blocked Shots	3
6	Corners	7
18	Fouls	25
3	Offsides	2
1	Yellow Cards	2
0	Red Cards	0
68.9	Passing Success	55.6
20	Tackles	32
55	Tackles Success	84.4
59	Possession	41
54	Territorial Advantage	46